Members of Americans for the Arts, the country’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, have elected Sue Lambe as a member of the national Public Art Network Council. Lambe, who has served as Manager of the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places Program since 2016, will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership. In the Public Art Network Council, she will work with fellow national arts leaders to advise annual programming, choose the Public Art Network award recipient, and to offer diverse perspectives and voices on public art and public art programs.

In her role leading the City of Austin Art in Public Places program, Lambe is responsible for the City’s existing public art collection of over 300 pieces and for the active permanent and temporary art projects underway throughout Austin. Prior to leading the program, she spent five years as a public art project manager. She is a licensed landscape architect in Maine and Texas, with over 20 years of experience designing public spaces. Lambe holds a BFA in Landscape Architecture from University of Illinois CU. She believes in public art as a meaningful way to connect people to their community – art can spark the ‘aha!’ moments that bring people together.

“I am pleased to welcome the new members to our public art advisory council,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “Americans for the Arts strives to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America, and these leaders are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across the country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations. I applaud them for their valued contribution and commitment that will undoubtedly improve the state of arts in America.”

Meghan Wells, Manager of the Cultural Arts Division, part of the City’s Economic Development Department, added, “We congratulate Sue on this well-deserved recognition. Her considerable expertise in the field of public art has enhanced Austin’s cultural landscape in countless ways. We are delighted that she will have an opportunity to both share her knowledge on a national level and tap into new ideas for Austin’s public art.”

Potential council members were nominated in September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 16, 2018. Sue Lambe will serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021.

The City of Austin Cultural Art Division

The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic Development Department provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries. The Cultural Arts Division is responsible for the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program, community-based arts development, and programs to assist the development of film and creative industries in Austin. For additional information, visit www.austincreates.com.

Americans for the Arts

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 55 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.